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Abstract:

In Brief:

Selection of a standing method for spine trauma rehabilitation is a challenging process. While most authors agree that the use of knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs) is the most desirable method, other authors report high rates of treatment failure. The purpose of this study is to report a patient selection and training program to optimize KAFO usage. Our program was helpful in identifying those patients that would benefit from this device and continue to use it at an average 2 years on follow-up.

Abstract:

In Brief:

This review of major lower limb amputation outcomes demonstrated that these amputations continue to give rise to extensive length of stay and perioperative morbidity and mortality. Nearly one-third had no rehabilitation potential postamputation. Those that are accepted into rehabilitation did well in terms of their functional outcomes. All of these measures can enhance our knowledge in providing better resource allocation and better quality of care to patients as well as providing counseling to them pre- and post-operatively.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Causes of limb amputation among children differ between and within countries. These data are valuable in prevention and planning of rehabilitation strategies for the victims, but are seldom reported. The aim of this study was to investigate causes of amputation in children and adolescents in rural Kenya.

Abstract:

In Brief:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of phantom limb pain, phantom limb sensation, and spine pain, and evaluate their relevance to the various levels of amputation. Phantom limb pain/sensation is highly prevalent in war-related amputees; however, only a minor proportion experience severe pain or sensation. There was not any relevance of phantom limb pain/sensation to the level of limb amputation.

Abstract:

In Brief:

This paper reviews recent research relating to the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) in the management of foot drop according to both the diagnoses and various functional domains of the individual clinical trials.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Although the use of vacuum suspension in prosthetics has dramatically increased, knowledge regarding the mechanics of vacuum suspension, the loading responses on the soft tissue, the short-term effects on perfusion, and the long-term effects on the residual limb are limited. Also, little is known about what level of vacuum should be considered sufficient.This paper presents a tool, the LimbLogic Vacuum Suspension (VS) Communicator, that allows these types of studies to be performed in a non-intrusive manner with the intent of facilitating the understanding and appropriate usage of vacuum suspension systems.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Coupling with the subsystem of the damping cylinder, a new dynamics model of Ingtelligent Prosthetic Leg (IPL) system simplified in two rigid-bodies model was developed. The novel point of the dynamics model is that the direct relationship between the control parameters and the swing speed of knee joint was established for study of the control system and analysis of dynamics. Future research in this area will concentrate on experimental verification of simulation results and application of dynamics model in IPL control studies.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices ultimately seek to mimic the human anatomical control system, surpassing the abilities of mechanical based prosthetics by incorporating sensor input, processing, output actuation, and feedback input features. Not all microprocessor controlled devices operate in the same manner; they each enhance amputee ambulation through a combination of different input methods, control system accommodations, and output actuation strategies. This paper provides a classification of currently available microprocessor controlled knees and feet.

Abstract:

In Brief:

Bandaging and elastic stump sock are two stump management methods for persons with below-knee amputation (BKA) before prosthesis fitting. The study objective was to compare the effectiveness of the two techniques in terms of stump circumferential changes, stump shape and firmness. The study supported that both techniques were effective in stump management. Bandaging application was found to have more stump circumferential reduction and firmness improvement, but the effect may be limited by advanced age and poor mental function.